Mikhail Skobelev

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev (29 September 1843-7 July 1882) was a General of the Infantry of the Imperial Russian Army during the conquest of Central Asia and the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.

Biography
Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev was born in St. Petersburg, Russian Empire in 1843. After graduating from the General Staff Academy, he became an Imperial Russian Army staff officer, and he was sent to Turkestan in 1868, remaining in Central Asia until 1877 (apart from brief service in the Caucasus). In 1873, he took part in the war against the Khanate of Khiva, and he took part in the 1875 invasion of Kokand. He was promoted to Major-General after conquering Central Asia, and he was appointed the first Governor of Ferghana. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, he commanded the Caucasian Cossack Brigade, and he fought at the Siege of Plevna. Skobelev was promoted to Lieutenant-General during the war, and he defeated the Turks at Plevna and at the Shipka Pass. After the war, Skobelev became a Russian nationalist and a supporter of Panslavism. He died of a heart attack in Moscow in 1882.